Approved Mojave Desert Tortoise Health Assessment Biologist

Approved Mojave Desert Tortoise Health Assessment Biologist

Fort Irwin, CA 92310, USA

Posted Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 5:00 AM

Spec Pro is seeking an experienced U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-approved Mojave Desert Tortoise Health Assessment Biologist to support the Desert Tortoise Translocation and Monitoring Program at Fort Irwin, California.

The selected candidate will conduct pre-translocation health assessments, collect biological samples, document clinical findings, and translocation activities in accordance with applicable USFWS procedures, project-specific permits, approved translocation plans, and contract requirements.

• None

• Conduct comprehensive Mojave Desert Tortoise health assessments in accordance with current USFWS procedures and project-specific authorizations.
• Identify and document signs of upper respiratory tract disease, shell disease, trauma, dehydration, malnutrition, ocular or nasal discharge, oral lesions, and other abnormalities.
• Safely capture, handle, restrain, process, and release Mojave Desert Tortoises while minimizing stress.
• Collect biological samples as authorized, including blood, nasal lavage, oral or nasal swabs, cloacal swabs, fecal samples, or other diagnostic materials.
• Properly label, preserve, store, package, and transfer samples in accordance with laboratory and chain-of-custody requirements.
• Implement approved sanitation, disinfection, and biosecurity procedures to prevent cross-contamination.
• Immediately report significant clinical findings, mortalities, injuries, disease concerns, or protocol deviations.
• Coordinate with Program Managers and Field Leads
• Verify tortoise identification using transmitters, PIT tags, photographs, and project databases.
• Collect and maintain accurate field data using GPS, tablets, Survey
  123, ArcGIS, spreadsheets, and approved databases.
• Complete health assessment forms, sample logs, chain-of-custody records, laboratory submission forms, field notes, and daily production summaries.
• Follow all applicable USFWS, CDFW, Army, Fort Irwin, safety, biological, and project-specific protocols.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• Advanced knowledge of Mojave Desert Tortoise biology, ecology, anatomy, behavior, disease concerns, handling, and translocation protocols.
• Demonstrated ability to independently conduct tortoise health assessments and collect biological samples.
• Ability to recognize normal and abnormal clinical conditions.
• Knowledge of biosecurity, sanitation, disease-risk reduction, and cross-contamination prevention.
• Strong technical writing, communication, organization, and field coordination skills.
• Ability to manage multiple animals, samples, records, and field priorities while maintaining data quality.
• Proficiency with GPS units, tablets, Survey
  123, ArcGIS, electronic databases, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary field team.
• Ability to work extended or irregular hours and travel as required.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.

• Current or documented previous USFWS approval to conduct Mojave Desert Tortoise health assessments.
• Demonstrated experience independently conducting health assessments and collecting biological samples from Mojave Desert Tortoises.
• Experience applying USFWS-approved handling, sanitation, biosecurity, and documentation procedures.
• Experience coordinating with wildlife veterinarians, laboratories, regulatory agencies, or government clients.
• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Veterinary Science, or a related field.
• Minimum three years of professional wildlife biology experience, including substantial Mojave Desert Tortoise experience.

• Current USFWS Recovery Permit or applicable authorization.
• Experience supporting large-scale tortoise translocation, disease surveillance, or long-term monitoring programs.
• Experience preparing health assessment summaries
• Experience working on Department of Defense installations or in Southern California desert…